Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) applauds the passage of House Bill 78 (HB 78), which establishes September 10th as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation (CHA) Day, honoring the dedication and tireless efforts of CHAs across the state. This landmark legislation reflects Alaska’s commitment to valuing all healthcare professionals.
Community Health Aide Appreciation Day is an initiative that brings health aides, legislators, and communities together in solidarity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of these frontline heroes who serve as a crucial link between healthcare facilities and remote communities. The passing of this bill solidifies the significance of their work and celebrates their commitment to improving the health and well-being of Alaskans.
Much like the nation recognizes nurses during Nurses Week and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) during EMS Week, Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day aims to honor and applaud health aides who often operate in challenging environments and provide essential care to underserved and isolated communities. Their selflessness and dedication deserve the same level of recognition as other healthcare professionals.
This historic achievement was made possible through the combined efforts of various stakeholders, including TCC’s Director of Health Services, Jacoline Bergstrom, and Director of the Community Health Aide Program, Crystal Stordahl. Their testimony at Committee was vital to the passage of HB 78. Key proponents of HB 78 include State Legislators Calvin Schrage, Cliff Groh, Maxine Dibert, Zack Fields, Ashley Carrick, Rebecca Himschoot, Jennie Armstrong, Bryce Edgmon, Andy Josephson, Mike Cronk, Andi Story, Craig Johnson, Alyse Galvin, Genevieve Mina, Donna Mears, Dan Ortiz, Frank Tomaszewski, Will Stapp, Louise Stutes, and Stanley Wright; along with Alaska State Senators Scott Kawasaki, Forrest Dunbar, Elvi Gray-Jackson, Click Bishop, Matt Claman, Donny Olson, Shelley Hughes, Lyman Hoffman, and Gary Stevens.
“TCC recognizes the invaluable role that health aides play in our healthcare system, particularly in our remote and underserved area,” says Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, “Our Community Health Aides are the lifeline that bridge the gap between medical care and those who would otherwise have limited or no immediate access to it. They are not just medical professionals; they are trusted members of the community. With Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day, we’re taking a step forward in acknowledging the vital work that they do each and every day.”
The passing of HB 78 underscores Alaska’s commitment to healthcare equity and its recognition of the critical role health aides play in the lives of countless Alaskans. As Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day approaches, communities throughout the state are gearing up to celebrate these heroes and express their gratitude for their selfless service.
TCC would like to thank our partners in healthcare for their advocacy efforts on HB 78. The relationship between Community Health Aides, receiving facilities, and medevac companies across the continuum of patient care is a vital one. Standing up and providing support through the passing of HB 78 is a step above and beyond, and represents a true example of Ch’eghwtsen’.